A Look At Magic Johnson’s Gulfstream III

Earvin “Magic” Johnson, the 12-time NBA All-Star and “triple-double” artist, owns and flies a Gulfstream III private jet aircraft. The Gulfstream
is forty-two years old but still a classic that, for Magic Johnson, has a great deal of sentimental value.

An old-school Gulfstream GIII

• The aircraft’s registration number, N32MJ, incorporates Johnson’s iconic LA Lakers jersey number 32, and his initials MJ.
• Johnson uses this private jet for both personal and business trips.
• The Gulfstream III’s range is approximately 4,200 miles (ca. 2,200 km).
• In 2020, Johnson dedicated the jet’s livery to the Los Angeles Dodgers and Lakers after both teams won championships that year.
• This aircraft has a fascinating history. Before Johnson acquired it, it had ten separate registrations and 12 different owners.
• Magic Johnson Entertainment Inc. is listed as the current owner of the aircraft.

It is still a classic large-cabin, long-range private jet

It’s worth noting that while the Gulfstream III is considered an older model, it still represents a significant luxury asset. Johnson, who recently joined the billionaire club, clearly values the convenience and flexibility offered by private jet ownership despite the substantial costs associated with maintaining such an aircraft.

Magic Johnson has owned his Gulfstream III since 2005, when he acquired the airplane from its previous owner, Clay Lacy.

Magic Johnson does not fly N32MJ as much these days

Although Johnson loves his Gulfstream, he doesn’t get out in it often. As of September 2024, flight tracking data from JetSpy showed that Magic Johnson’s Gulfstream III had not flown since March 7 and was parked at Van Nuys Airport (VNY). Over about eight months in 2024, only five flights were tracked for this aircraft.

While the exact frequency of Johnson’s flights is not provided, the limited recent flight activity suggests he may not frequently use the jet. However, as a public figure and successful business person, he likely uses it periodically for various trips throughout the year as needed. The jet allows him travel flexibility, but the actual usage varies.

Why doesn’t Magic upgrade his old jet?

There are a few key reasons that help explain why Magic Johnson has owned his 1982 Gulfstream III private jet for nearly 20 years without upgrading to a newer model.

Magic Johnson acquired the GIII in 2005. Twenty years represents the aircraft’s longest stint with a single owner in its history. The jet’s registration number—N32MJ—incorporates Johnson’s iconic LA Lakers team jersey number 32 and his initials MJ. This personalization likely adds sentimental value.

• Practical usage: Johnson uses this private jet for both personal and business trips, and it seems to adequately meet his travel needs.
• Classic appeal: The Gulfstream III is considered a classic model, and Johnson is described as “a man of culture” for choosing to own this “old-timer”.
• Sufficient performance: The GIII is fast, and the aircraft’s range is approximately 4,200 miles, which is likely sufficient for most of Johnson’s travel requirements.
• Cost considerations: Johnson is wealthy, but maintaining and operating an older aircraft may be more cost-effective than constantly upgrading to the newest models, which for a newer aircraft like the Gulfstream 650 could be $50-75 million.
• Familiarity and comfort: Johnson is likely very familiar and comfortable with this aircraft after nearly two decades of ownership.
• While the exact reasons for Johnson’s continued ownership of this older jet are unknown, these factors likely contributed to his decision to keep the Gulfstream III rather than upgrade to a newer model.

Magic Johnson’s entertainment career has not been limited to center court. He has acted in TV shows, films, and commercials. Here are some key details about his acting work:

TV Shows

He has appeared as himself in several TV series, including:

Black-ish (2022)

Doogie Kamealoha, M.D. (2021)

Empire (2018)

The Game (2011)

The Parkers (2002)

Malcolm in the Middle (2002)

Inside Schwartz (2001)

Arli$$ (1998)

Films

He had a role as himself in the movie Are We Done Yet? (2007)

Commercials

He has appeared in numerous commercials over the years, including:

• A 1980 commercial for Quality Dairy, believed to be his first-ever commercial
• TV commercials for Converse shoes in the 1980s
• The 1989 promo for Lethal Weapon 2
• A 1992 TV commercial for KFC
• 2001—a TV commercial for 24-Hour Fitness
• A series of TV commercials for Jackson Hewitt Tax Service in 2009
• Print ads for M&M’s candies in 2009
• A public service announcement for the Boys & Girls Clubs of America in 2013

Music Videos

He has also appeared in music videos, including:

• Michael Jackson’s “Remember the Time” (1990)
• Will Smith’s “Just the Two of Us” (2001)
• Pharrell Williams’ “Happy” (2013)

So, while primarily known for his legendary basketball career, Magic Johnson has had an extensive acting career as well, mostly playing himself in cameo roles across various media.